Chapter Four (cont.)

So (for example) whoever's mind becomes flooded with thoughts of disbelief, but they are only thoughts, without him intending to have them carried out, and he then rids himself of these thoughts right after they occur, he is not a disbeliever nor is there any sin on him."[311 [30] Bukhaaree [31] The proof of this position is from hadith reported by Muslim: Narrated by Abu Hurayrah ...;.,: "Some people from amongst the Companions of the Messenger ~ came to him and said: 'Verily we perceive in our minds that which every one of us considers it too grave to express.' He (the Prophet ~ ) said: 'Do you really perceive it?' They said: 'Yes.' Upon this he remarked: ((;i~~I &? ~\S)) 'That is the faith manifest.' This hadith shows the Companions' zeal and enthusiasm in commanding themselves with good and forbidding themselves from evil, such that they Golden Advice Series 04 The reason for these thoughts being excused is because thoughts are impossible to prevent. Rather, one is only able to prevent those thoughts from becoming settled and established in one's mind. This is why the heart's being resolute and determined on these thoughts is forbidden. So whenever these thoughts, which consist of backbiting or any other sin, present themselves in your mind, it is an obligation on you to repel them, turn away from them and mention some excuses or explanations that will change what seems apparent. Abu Haamid AI-Ghazaalee sill u-_; said in Al-lhyaa: "If bad thoughts should occur in your heart, then these are from the whisperings of the Devil, which he has placed in you. So you must deny and reject them because he is indeed the most wicked of evildoers (Faasiq). And Allaah has stated: t~:: i,, -! ·1 r~/-::-: G r~ ~ 5:, ,:ii t>./1: &Ji (-!ls~ '-" ~ u ~ .} . ,;. ~ . !;. '.>-4 ., '"f: • "O you who believe! If a wicked person (i.e. Faasiq) comes to you with news, then verify it, lest you harm people without realizing it (i.e. out of ignoranc \ and 1 e 1 a u e ome regretful for what you've done [AI-Hujuraat (49) : 6] So it is not permissible for you to believe lblees (the Devil). And if there is some sign that indicates that he is corrupt, yet he implies the opposite of that, then it is not permissible to hold bad would even fight against the evil notions that passed through their minds. But as it is impossible to prevent such thoughts from occurring every J""JW and then, they asked the Prophet ~ about this. His response to them meant that their trying to repel these thoughts showed their strong Eemaan (Faith) and love for good. Guarding the Tongue thoughts (for him). Among the signs that indicate one holding bad thoughts (for someone) is that your heart changes with him from the way it used to be, and that you run away from him and find him to be unbearable. And that you are lazy when it comes to having concern for him, showing kindness to him and being worried when he does evil. And indeed the Devil comes close to one's heart when the slightest trace of defects show in people, and he places this in you, while you think (these thoughts) occur due to your astuteness, intelligence and quick alertness. But the believer sees with the light of Allaah. So this person is in reality speaking with the deceptions and the evil plots of the Devil. And if a trustworthy person informs you of this, then do not believe him nor reject him, in order that you will not have bad thoughts about either of them. Whenever some evil thoughts about another Muslim come into your mind, then let that make you increase in your showing concern and being kind to him because this will enrage the Devil and repel him from you. So he will not place such thoughts in you afterward out of fear that it will only cause you to increase in your supplication for that person. And whenever you come to know of a defect or a mistake in another Muslim based on some proofs, which cannot be denied, then advise him in privacy and do not let the Devil deceive you such that he invites you and leads you towards backbiting him. And when you admonish him, then do not admonish him while you are happy and pleased that you have knowledge of his deficiency. So it is as if he is looking at you with the eyes of awe and respect while you are looking down at him with condescending eyes. Rather, make your intention in that to free him from this sin, Golden Advice Series 04 while you are distressed over him, just as you are distressed when some deficiency enters in you. And his getting rid of that deficiency without you having to admonish him (i.e.